Heinz G. Hetzel

Heinz G. Hetzel, 91, of Rising Sun, Indiana passed away Monday, April 26th, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Dearborn. Heinz was born in Legelshurst, Germany on October 14, 1929, a son of the late Berta Erhardt and George Hetzel. Heinz was the oldest boy of seven children and was raised in a small farming village. As was the custom, Heinz completed schooling through the fourth grade and began working on the family farm; and as it has been said, hard times create strong men. When he was just 15 years old, he was drafted into the Volkssturm, the militarized portion of Hitler’s Youth, which was a part of last ditch efforts to gain traction in a losing war. It was during this time that Heinz was captured and placed in an American prison camp. While imprisoned, he asked the American soldiers to take him back to the United States with them. Heinz eventually was given the opportunity to immigrate with the stipulation that he would serve in the Korean War. In 1952, he immigrated to America and from 1953-1955, Heinz Hetzel proudly served his country in the United States Army. Instead of being sent to Korea, he ended up being sent to Germany, this time returning to fight for the occupational forces. Heinz also served as a cook in the army. Following his discharge from the army, Heinz became trained as a meat cutter and was employed by Edelmann’s Provisions for many years. On December 17, 1960, he married Brigitta Kolb. They were married for over 60 years until his passing. Heinz’s many disciplines were attributed to what gave him such great strength all the way through his old age. He enjoyed the river and kayaked on it every day until he was 89. He also loved to read and maintain and mow his yard. Heinz loved cooking and preparing meals for his family and this was something he did all the way until the day before his passing. 
Heinz is survived by his wife, Brigitta Hetzel of Rising Sun, Indiana; sons Thomas Hetzel of Cincinnati, OH, Mark D. Hetzel (Denise) of Petersburg, KY and John Hetzel (Gweni) serving on mission in Papua New Geniea; brother Peter Hetzel of LaVerne, CA; sister Annelies Monad of Switzerland, grandchildren Sierra and Dylan; step-grandchildren Melissa, Amanda, and Christina; as well as “grandson” Jacob Price. In addition to his parents, Heinz was preceded in death by brother Frieder Hetzel; sisters Ruth Weislogel, Ester Zipp, and Sigrid Schuler; and sister-in-law Margot Hetzel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Answers in Genesis. Private services are to be held at the convenience of the family. Markland Funeral Home serving the family.

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